In general manager Sandy Alderson’s master plan, 2014 was circled as the Mets’ year to make their move.

But with big-money contracts belonging to Jason Bay and Johan Santana removed from the books, the Mets will begin spring training (pitchers and catchers report Saturday) looking strikingly similar to the team that last year finished 74-88, third in the NL East.

Or perhaps there a few more wins to be had, thanks to Curtis Granderson’s arrival.

“The way it stands today, without anymore additions, they might be a little short of .500,” a veteran major league executive told The Post.

If the Mets are to have their first winning season in six years and compete for the playoffs — their postseason drought dates to 2006 — they will need just about every lucky bounce.

It starts with a rotation spearheaded by 40-year-old Bartolo Colon, who signed a two-year contract worth $20 million, as the Mets attempt to find an ace to replace Matt Harvey.

With Harvey expected to miss the entire season as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery, it’s Colon, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee as the known components to the rotation heading into camp. The fifth spot could belong to Jenrry Mejia if he’s healthy (he underwent September surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow), but veterans John Lannan and Diasuke Matsuzaka will be in camp as insurance.

Stud pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom are among the young guns who will try to make an impression on Alderson and manager Terry Collins. But it’s unlikely, according to Alderson, any of those rookies will be in position to crack the Opening Day roster.

The Mets know what they have at two of the infield positions with David Wright and Daniel Murphy returning, but first base and shortstop are anybody’s guess.

Ike Davis, who bounced between the Mets and Triple-A Las Vegas last year, was on the trade block for most of the winter, but Alderson never found a suitable offer in return, leaving Davis in a logjam with Lucas Duda at first base.

“That’s a toss up,” a major league scout said. “I like Duda’s swing better — they are both left-handed hitters, you can’t play them both regularly. I don’t know how they are going to resolve that.”

At shortstop, the job belongs to Ruben Tejada after a winter in which Alderson hoped to sign Jhonny Peralta, but wasn’t about to outdo the Cardinals’ offer of four years and $53 million. The Mets also have shown interest in Stephen Drew, but remain a “long shot” to sign the veteran.

So that leaves the job to the underachieving Tejada, who hit only .202 in 57 games for the Mets last season.

“He’s young — he came up young,” the scout said, referring to the 24-year-old Tejada. “It’s not always a straight line going forward, so there’s dips in the road along the way. He came into camp, not in great shape last year, shame on him. But he was young and the Mets have to hope he learned from that and it won’t happen again.”

Granderson signed a four-year contract worth $60 million to anchor the outfield and potentially provide pop to an anemic lineup. But at best he may only replace or slightly surpass the kind of production Marlon Byrd was providing the team before the Mets dealt him to Pittsburgh last August.

And Alderson is also gambling that Chris Young (one-year, $7.25 million) is better than he showed last season, when he hit .200 for Oakland with 12 homers and 40 RBIs. The final outfield spot belongs to either defensive whiz Juan Lagares or maybe the team’s only natural leadoff hitter, Eric Young Jr.

Travis d’Arnaud returns behind the plate after an unimpressive six-week stint last season in which he hit .200. But without another proven catcher in camp — Anthony Recker is slated as the backup — the Mets will continue to give d’Arnaud every opportunity to play.

The bullpen equation remains muddled, with Vic Black, Kyle Farnsworth and Jeurys Familia as perhaps the primary setup options for Bobby Parnell, who is returning from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck.

“I could see where they could use a couple of bullpen arms still,” the scout said. “Overall, the team is somewhat improved, but I can’t really see them in the playoffs.”

The rundown

Even with a surprise outbreak season from Marlon Byrd (until he was traded to the Pirates in late August), the Mets were an eyesore offensively in 2013. General manager Sandy Alderson signed free agents Curtis Granderson and Chris Young this offseason to boost the offensive power. The organization’s biggest concern on the macro level heading into spring training is scoring runs. On the micro level, there are numerous issues heading into Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Most important story in camp

Young hurlers: The Mets are stocked with young, power arms who will have a large say in the team’s fortunes, now and in the future. Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom, among others, need to show the organization they are ready to take the next step in their development.

Best position battle

First base: Ike Davis didn’t get traded this offseason, but hardly has a foothold on his position. The enigmatic Davis will battle Lucas Duda for the starting job. Josh Satin and Daniel Murphy are possible candidates if neither Davis nor Duda emerges.

Most intriguing rookie or minor leaguer

Syndergaard: He arrived in the R.A. Dickey trade to the Blue Jays and is the organization’s top pitching prospect and a potential ace for the rotation. But the right-hander likely will start the year at Triple-A Las Vegas to get more seasoning.

Story to watch develop

d’Arnaud’s development: Catcher Travis d’Arnaud struggled offensively in his six-week stint with the Mets last season. The team still believes he can be a top-notch major league catcher, but the rookie certainly could use a fast start to show he’s for real.

Manager’s toughest challenge

Finding a leadoff hitter: It could be difficult for manager Terry Collins if the organization decides Juan Lagares should play center field. With Lagares in the lineup, Chris Young and Ruben Tejada might be the Mets’ only leadoff options. Eric Young Jr. is a natural leadoff hitter, but would be squeezed out in a lineup that includes Lagares, Chris Young and Granderson with Murphy at second base.

Who needs to step up

Tejada: He will arrive in camp as the team’s starting shortstop, barring a surprise Stephen Drew signing. After a horrid 2013 season, Tejada will attempt to show the organization he’s a changed man, with an improved work ethic.

Most interesting newcomer

Granderson: He hit 84 home runs in his last two full seasons with the Yankees — injuries kept him sidelined for most of 2013 — but now will have to show he can handle playing half his games in spacious Citi Field. The Mets are betting $60 million he can provide the power they so desperately need.

Most notable absence

Matt Harvey: Underwent Tommy John surgery in October and is expected to miss the entire 2014 season. Do the Mets have enough starting pitching without him?

Biggest comeback

Bobby Parnell: Missed the final two months last season with a herniated disk in his neck that eventually required surgery. The Mets need Parnell to step up and eliminate any doubt about his physical capacity. Otherwise, the Mets bullpen could be in deep trouble.